We owe Cuba a ton for its contributions to American culture–hand-rolled cigars, Desi Arnaz and a good fraction of the Yankees roster. But we’re most thankful for the daiquiri, which happens to be native to the Caribbean island. This rum-heavy drink can be served either frozen or on the rocks, and its simple formula (ice, rum and fruit juice) makes it a snap to jazz up.
Slushie Monkey, $15
Can’t get your own helper monkey? Drown your sorrows in this daiquiri at Slow Down, Life’s Too Short. Served in a hand-carved, monkey-shaped coconut shell, the Slushie Monkey is a mix of rum and your choice of four frozen flavors (strawberry, hurricane, orange cream and blue Hawaiian). And while the hefty price tag seems daunting at first, you keep the monkey and get $6 refills on return visits. 1177 N. Elston Ave. 773-384-1040.
Pomegranate daiquiri, $8
Wrigleyville’s Raw Bar has earned a reputation for dishing up exotic eats (alligator, anyone?) and its daiquiris are no exception. A laundry list of flavors are available, like mango, blueberry, raspberry, banana and strawberry, but it’s the pomegranate version that caught our eyes and taste buds. The daiquiri blends rum, fresh pomegranates and ice (slurpee machines are so passe), and is served in a large glass bowl. The bartender tops the potent cocktail with the greatest garnish of them all: more rum. 3720 N. Clark St. 773-348-7291.
Pulp Fiction, $7
Vincent Vega complained about a five-dollar milkshake in “Pulp Fiction,” but we’d like to think he’d have no problem forking out a couple more bucks for Silver Cloud’s movie-themed cocktail. Bartenders mix up Captain Morgan rum, pineapple juice and mango nectar for a truly tropical cocktail. While it might be hard to find any connection between the drink and the Tarantino flick, you’ll find a nod to “Super Size Me”–the Pulp Fiction measures in at a whopping
16 ounces. 1700 N. Damen Ave. 773-489-6212.
Shark Attack, $9
Cactus serves up an ode to the original daiquiri-lover, Ernest Hemingway, with its unique interpretation of the shark-filled climax of “The Old Man and the Sea.” Coconut rum, blue curacao, and pineapple and orange juices create an “ocean” setting, while a toy shark and a stream of grenadine “blood” float at the top. You’ll have to provide your own “Jaws” soundtrack. 1112 N. State St. 312-642-5999.
Frozen fruit daiquiri, $6
Alright, we admit it, there’s nothing terribly fancy about these daiquiris at Park Grill’s outdoor patio. But when you’re lazily sipping frozen drinks on a gorgeous summer day in the middle of brand-spankin’-new Millennium Park, well, everything becomes just a little bit sweeter. Choose from a variety of flavors, such as mango, peach, strawberry and lime. Maybe after you down a few you’ll be able to make sense of The Bean. 11 N. Michigan Ave. 312-521-7275.
